16th Pick – Buffalo Sabres
Marco Kasper (C)
6’2″, 187 lbs
This is the second pick in the draft for the Sabres. If they don’t package them together to trade up, then Buffalo will come away with a steal at slot 16 in Marco Kasper. Though he’s listed as a center, Kasper has played all three positions leading up to the draft. While he may not be as flashy as others, he should become a regular in the NHL.
17th Pick – Nashville Predators
Kevin Korchinski (D)
6’2″, 185 lbs
Kevin Korchinski joins a deep pool of puck moving defensemen. In other years, a player of his skillset who managed to have the statistical season he did, would come off the board a lot sooner. Korchinski just happens to be grouped with a very strong cohort of rear guards.
In the regular season, the left shooting Seattle Thunderbird put together a four goal, 61 assist campaign. That’s 65 points in 67 contests. In the 25 games he played in the playoffs, Korchinski registered six goals and 13 assists.
18th Pick – Dallas Stars
Ivan Miroshnichenko (LW)
6’1″, 185 lbs
The Dallas Stars want Ivan Miroshnichenko in their organization because he adds something every team is looking for, toughness and talent. The high octane skater isn’t afraid to play physical and throw his body around. Much like the way he plays, the Russian also has a heavy shot.
19th Pick – Minnesota Wild
Liam Öhgren (LW)
6’1″, 201 lbs
In Liam Öhgren, the Minnesota Wild get a left-winger who tore it up playing junior hockey for Djurgardens Jr in Sweden. If that team sounds familiar, it’s because it is the same squad that LekkerimäkiIn plays for, as well as the Boston Bruins’ fifth-round 2021 draft pick, Oskar Jellvik. GM Bill Guerin may like the development the organization has offered and pick up the slick passing Öhgren.
20th Pick – Washington Capitals
Jimmy Snuggerud (F)
6’2″, 185 lbs
Jimmy Snuggerud is a player who can be used both at center and on the wing. Shooting right, he is a third-generation player. His grandfather, James Westby, played in the NCAA, and his dad, Dave Snuggerud, played four seasons in the NHL.
The Chaska, Minnesota native has committed to the University of Minnesota where he can continue to showcase his impressive shot. With the U.S. National U18 Team, Snuggerud has collected 63 points. In 59 games, he recorded 24 goals and 39 assists.